Permit Application Guides
The city provides guides for different project types. These pages contain the relevant forms, checklists, and bulletins.
1
Board of Variance Guide
2
Commercial Renovation Guide
3
Commercial Vancouver Coastal Health Approvals
4
Commercial Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB)
5
Demolition Guide
6
Development Permit Guide
7
Electronic Application Guide
8
Laneway House Guide
9
New House Construction Guide
10
Renovations & Additions Guide
11
Secondary Suite Guide
12
Streamline Tenant Improvement Program
13
When you need a Permit
2025 Permit Fees & Costs Guide
Typical 2025 Permit fees for homes, renovations, and commercial projects. Fees are usually paid in stages.
This is a guide only. Official fees are determined by the City at the time of application and are subject to change.
| Category | Minimum Fee | Notes / Fee Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Building Grade Calculation | ||
| For new builds & Major additions | $633 | For a standard lot with Applicant-provided survey |
| Electrical Permit | ||
| Required for any Electrical work | $101.10 | Scales based on Value of electrical work |
| Plumbing Permit | ||
| Required for any Plumbing work | $270 | For first 1-3 fixtures |
| Sign Permit | ||
| For new exterior signage | $432 | Standard sign; varies By type and complexity |
| Single Family/Duplex Demolition Permit | ||
| Additional Green Demo Deposit, Where applicable | $1,500 | Plus a refundable $14,650 deposit If required |
| Step 1-Commercial TI Development Permit | ||
| Zoning & Use approval | $1,400 Per 100m² | Based on area of alteration |
| Step 1-Multi-Family Development Permit | ||
| Zoning & Use approval | $2,720 Per 100m² | Scales with total project size |
| Step 1-Single Detached House Development Permit | ||
| Zoning & Use approval | $4,280 | Typical for a Conditional approval |
| Step 2-All Construction Building Permit | ||
| Construction approval | $208 | $13.30 per $1,000 of Value (over $5,000) |
| Tree Removal Permit | ||
| Per tree to be removed | $108 | For the first tree $310 for each subsequent |
Zoning Information
Height Restrictions
Maximum building heights for different zones.
Setback Requirements
Understand required building setbacks for your property.
Zoning Districts
Learn about Vancouver's zoning districts and what's permitted in each.
Need Help?
Permit Status Check
Check the status of your building Permit application online.
Let's Get Started
Take the next step in your building journey with our specialized design and permit services.
Residential
Homes, suites & outbuildings
- As-Built Measuring
- New Custom Homes
- Home Renovations
- SSMUH / Multiplex
- Accessory Buildings & Garages
- 3D Visualization
Feasibility
Check if your vision meets code
- Stop Work Order Management
- Zoning Bylaw Check
- Building Classification Analysis
- Setback & Height Requirements
- Development Permit Triggers
- Required Professionals
Commercial
Business spaces & TI
- As-Built Measuring
- Tenant Improvements
- Change of Use Permits
- Business Renovations
- First-Time Business Setup
- Commercial Space Planning